Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court has overturned the death sentence of a Sri Lankan Hindu migrant worker convicted of blasphemy over a Facebook comment, according to Sri Lanka’s Deputy Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra.
Anojan Sivarasa, 27, received the death sentence from a Saudi appellate court in September after being convicted of insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The case prompted diplomatic efforts by Sri Lankan authorities to secure clemency.
Hemachandra announced that the Supreme Court had set aside the sentence, thanking officials and legal teams from both countries.
The case stemmed from an online religious argument after footage circulated in June showing a young Muslim man kicking a dog accompanying Hindu pilgrims. Sivarasa posted the comment in response to another user’s derogatory remarks about a Hindu deity.
He subsequently deleted his comment and released an apology video. However, a screenshot reached his employer and Saudi authorities, leading to his arrest in July.
The Al-Ahsa Criminal Court initially sentenced him to five years in prison and a fine of three million Saudi riyals before the appellate court imposed the death penalty.
Sri Lankan lawmaker Faizer Mustafa confirmed the reversal and said the latest ruling was being reviewed. It remains unclear whether Sivarasa faces further proceedings or how long he could remain detained.
Source: BBC
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